The Voice - April 2021
/State of the City
Submitted by City Manager Tom Fromme
At this time of year, we step back to reflect on the activities and condition of the city. The past year has been difficult and challenging, but we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. During 2020 we discovered how resilient our community can be during stressful times. Now is the time to reignite our optimism, review our accomplishments and look forward to our goals!
Newport has enjoyed one success after another during the past 15 years, even through one of the worst recessions in American history. From a financial point of view, 2020 was a good year for the city even in the midst of the COVID pandemic, which caused many local businesses to close during a significant portion of the year.
During this period of time from 2006- 2020, the following projects have been undertaken and completed:
Southshore Condominiums
Vue 180 Residential Development
Monmouth Row Residential Development
Aqua on the Levee Residential and Hotel Development
Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel Development
Nexigen Communications
Ethos Labs
St. Elizabeth Healthcare Urgent Care Development
Newport Pavilion Retail Center Development
Route 9 Connector Road
New Riff Distillery and Rickhouse East and West campuses
City-wide street light conversion to LED
Redevelopment of historic Green Line bus barn
Purchase of new Public Works facility
Redevelopment of Carothers Road
Clifton Hills Senior Citizens Residential Development
BB Riverboats Redevelopment
Millions of dollars of single-family home construction and rehab
Street and sidewalk repairs and restoration in excess of $8M
Significant infrastructure repairs dealing with water runoff issues
Ongoing improvements to Riverfront Commons
These projects are just a few of the many improvements and developments during this 15-year period. In 2020, we celebrated many ground breakings and ribbon cuttings throughout the city. Corporex completed construction of the Music Venue and will begin construction of a hotel and office building in the near future. The Route 9 project is nearing completion of its final phase, opening a new growth corridor for the city. The Academy on Fourth residential development was completed bringing new residents to the downtown area. Newport on the Levee, under new ownership, has also commenced a $100M renovation. When complete the levee will present a new vision and a fresh new look.
On the fiscal side, the city has continued its work on on improving and stabilizing our finances. For the calendar year, the city ended with a general fund cash balance of $4,308,020, an increase of $882,140 from 2019. We have also established reserve funds for compensated absences, equipment and legacy pension obligations. Our fiscal year 2020 budget ended with revenues surpassing our budgeted projections.
Over the last six years, the city’s net payroll revenues have increased by $1,348,181. In 2020 ,the city gained a net 72 new companies and 263 net new employees. This growth is critical since payroll taxes are our primary source of revenue, accounting for approximately 32% of our budget. Some of our largest businesses are PL Marketing, Kroger, Defender Direct, Divisions, Inc., Impact Sales, St. Elizabeth, DJ Joseph Co., National Band and Tag Co. Inc., I-Wireless and Nexigen Communications.
While many great things are happening in the city, we also are confronted with ongoing serious challenges. Rising costs related to personnel – specifically, crippling increases in pension costs dictated by the state pension system – are expected to add $1.2M to our pension contribution. Due to these increases and other rising costs, we are continually examining ways to maintain an excellent level of service in the future within the constraints of our revenue.
Perhaps the most difficult challenge for Newport and for surrounding cities is addressing the delivery of public services to our residents. We continue to operate with a very small, efficient staff and make every effort to provide a high quality of service in a cost-effective manner (having reduced city staffing by nearly 30 employees in recent years). Currently, we have approximately 114 full-time employees, with more than 80 in public safety.
The city continues to invest heavily in our infrastructure and equipment, however the aging infrastructure and rising costs continue to be a significant issue. During the next few years, we anticipate spending several million dollars on infrastructure-related projects and equipment acquisition, including upgrades to the 800 MHz radio system used for public safety. The fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2022 budget and work priorities include a focus on capital improvements, such as South Monmouth corridor improvements and Festival Park renovation.
Much was accomplished in 2020, and 2021 continues to look very promising. Construction on Ovation and changes at Newport on the Levee will continue throughout the year and beyond. Construction on Carothers Road and design work on South Monmouth street (US 27) will commence and continue throughout the next few years, including a partnership with surrounding cities on smart corridor initiatives. Development of a mixed-use hotel and office development is also expected to begin during the year on the site adjacent to the Peace Bell. We will also continue with our City- wide street and sidewalk repaving program and streetscape improvements on Monmouth Street. The Baptist Home condominium development is scheduled to be near completion and the 13th Street Citi-Rama project will begin construction in late spring. We also plan on finishing The Comprehensive Plan 5-year review as required by statute.
Our goals for 2021 continue to include further redevelopment of residential and commercial properties; working on quality-of-life issues, such as parks and recreation; and maintaining a safe, walkable community. From a fiscal perspective, we continue working on growing revenues, improving our credit rating and keeping our expenses reasonable.
The goals for 2021 are listed in their entirety in our Annual Report and metrics can be found on our online transparency portal.
The Newport City Building continues to remain closed to the public. During the City Building’s closure to the public, all departments continue to function processing occupation licenses, tax payments, certificates of appropriateness (COA), development project requests, sign requests, public works projects, the Newport Forward Comprehensive Plan, etc., to keep the city moving forward.
Most required applications are available on the city website for processing via email or the city lockbox inside the entry doors at 998 Monmouth Street.
Meetings of the Board of Commissioners, Board of Adjustments, Planning & Zoning, and Historic Preservation will be available for viewing on the city’s Facebook page. Please check the city’s website for dates and times of meetings.
Newport’s Online Resources:
City Website: http://www.newportky.gov/
City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofNewportKY/
Newport History Museum @ The Southgate Street School’s Facebook page.
Great things are happening in Newport! Thanks for making Newport a Great place to live, work, shop and play!
Congrats, East Row Historic Foundation Executive Board!
The East Row Historic Foundation (ERHF) is our 501c3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to bettering our neighborhood by promoting historic preservation, civic engagement and social events. Meetings are held virtually at this time, the first Tuesday of every month.
We are excited to recognize our new ERHF Executive Board members and we thank them - and those who have served in the past - for their efforts!
Jason Kramb, Chairperson, chair@eastrow.org. Jason and his wife, Katie Tamarelli, have lived in the 600 block of Linden for the last 4 years. After moving here, they immediately got involved with the ERHF, mostly for social events and to meet new neighbors, but it wasn't long before Jason was asked to volunteer. He has served as the ERHF treasurer for the past 3 years. Jason is an aerospace engineer for a small consulting firm in Michigan, and enjoys wrenching on cars, flying airplanes, rowing, computers, and maintaining and improving their great historic home.
Tony Heekin, Treasurer, treasurer@eastrow.org. Tony and his wife were born in Cincinnati and grew up there. They raised their six children in Anderson and moved to Covington in 2016. When it was time to buy a house, Newport was the clear choice and they moved to the East Row in May 2019. Tony has a business degree from UC and an MBA from Xavier. He and his wife enjoy spending time with family, especially their 4 grandchildren.
Maggie Brown, Secretary, secretary@eastrow.org. Maggie has lived in the East Row since 2013. She grew up in Fort Thomas, was educated at Georgetown College and George Washington University, and is a practicing physician assistant (PA) in emergency medicine. Maggie majored in Spanish and is on the board of the Campbell County Public Library. She enjoys collecting colorful beach cruiser bikes.
Frank Wray, Gateway Rep, gateway@eastrow.org. Frank and his wife, Katie Kool-Wray, have been in the neighborhood since October of 2019. With a Ph.D. in Ecology, Frank was a Professor of Biology at the University of Cincinnati (UC) for 20+ years and retired in 2014. Frank and his wife opened a CrossFit gym in 2014 and sold it in 2019 so he could get back into teaching. He now teaches Biology at Western Governors University, the largest online university in the world and he loves it! While Frank was at UC, he created sustainable development plans for different regions in the world. He looks forward to finding ways to make our neighborhood more sustainable. Frank loves the walkability of the area and you can see Frank and Katie walking their dog, Sydney, a brown AussieDoodle several times a day.
Katie Kolpin-Gustafson, Mansion Hill Rep, mansionhill@eastrow.org. Katie lives on E. 4th St., and has been in the neighborhood for about 1 ½ years. She grew up in Wisconsin, attended college there, went to graduate school in Oregon, and just prior to living in the East Row, was living in Minnesota. She moved here for work (as a principal scientist in product development with ADM), and loves Northern Kentucky. In our neighborhood, she and her husband and have helped with the new dog park and the 6th St. Bike Trails, and they take pride in being involved in the community.
Henry Potts, Alternate.
*Alternate position is on a stand-by basis in case a board member is unavailable to fulfill his or her obligation.
NBA Panel Discussion Focuses on Newport Development Updates
Submitted by Bev Holiday, NBA Vice President
Stay tuned for more details on our upcoming meeting of the Newport Business Association (NBA). We will be discussing “Newport Development Updates” presented by panelists representing the various projects going on around the city.
The virtual meeting will be on Wednesday, April 28 and the time of the meeting will be posted in an East Row listserv email once confirmed with the presenters.
The public is invited to attend this event which will be available on the NBA’s Facebook page.
Mission statement: Newport Business Association serves the local businesses through its problem-solving forum, unified voice to policy makers, and through its member support, education and networking.
Historic Preservation Needs Your Support in Frankfort
Submitted by Scott Clark, Historic Preservation Officer & Newport History Museum Executive Director
UPDATE: Great news! This house bill was approved for an increased amount of $100M. This is GREAT news for historic designated neighborhoods throughout the Commonwealth!
You can support the improvement of Kentucky’s historic preservation tax credit by endorsing HB 344, so more communities can benefit. In 2020, the Kentucky Heritage Council received a record number of 153 applications from 22 counties for the state Historic Preservation Tax Credit; 127 of these were approved pending completion of the work. These approved projects represent $1,161,585,277 in proposed private investment in rehabilitation.
To support HB 344, call your State Senator and House Representative. Tell the legislative aide who answers the phone that you want your elected official to support HB 344.
Many Newport property owners have benefited from the tax credit. Historic Preservation Tax Credits are administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Key Points of HB 344:
Raises current program cap from $5M to $30Million annually
Provides a 30% credit for projects in counties with populations below 50,000
Reserves 40% of the $30 Million for rural counties with populations below 50,000
Maintains 20% credit for income producing/commercial properties
Maintains 30% credit for owner-occupied residential properties
Makes Kentucky more competitive with contiguous states that have better state historic preservation tax credits, including Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Missouri and Illinois
How Kentucky's Historic Tax Credit Helps Communities:
Provides credit for owner-occupied homes, unlike Federal HTC
Benefits the state immediately with tax revenue during construction
Returns more to the state treasury than it costs
Returns vacant, underutilized, endangered buildings to tax rolls
Boosts tax revenues - sales, payroll, property
Provides income for community improvements
Serves as a catalyst for additional local investment
Creates construction and permanent jobs
Encourages revitalization in blighted areas
Encourages adaptive reuse of buildings that risk demolition
Reverses economic decline in central business districts
Helps spur redevelopment in surrounding areas
Restores civic pride to communities
Provides a positive return on investment for owners and state
You can take action now! Call your State Senator and House Representative in support of HB 344.
Newport Legislators:
State Representative Rachel Roberts – LRC: 1-502-564-8100 Ext. 641
State Senator Wil Schroder – LRC: 1-502-564-8100 Ext. 624
NKY Restoration Weekend Moved to May 2021
Submitted by Scott Clark, Historic Preservation Officer and Newport History Museum Executive Director
Due to COVID-19, the NKY Restoration Weekend team will offer its educational events in a virtual format this year. Look forward to this much-anticipated event on May 21-23.
A Northern Kentucky tradition, this year marks our 10th annual NKY Restoration Weekend. It is made possible through generous grants from the National Park Service and U.S. Department of the Interior, and is administered through the Kentucky Heritage Council to the cities of Covington and Bellevue, along with the dedicated NKY Restoration team from Newport.
Be sure to mark your calendars for this FREE engaging and educational program and watch for announcements regarding our May events to complement National Historic Preservation Month.
Six@Six Virtual Series Focuses on Justice and Injustice in America
Submitted by Scott Clark, Historic Preservation Officer and Newport History Museum Executive Director
Register now for the upcoming Six@Six virtual series, Justice and Injustice in America by Danielle McDonald and David Singleton. The presentation will be held Tuesday, April 20, 6-7:30pm. More details will be shared prior to the event.
RSVP is required: sixatsix.nku.edu. This Six@Six Lecture will be presented via Zoom and a link will be sent prior to the event.
The Newport History Museum @ The Southgate School continues to be closed to the public due to COVID-19. Thanks to the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement for its continued support of sponsoring Newport History Museum events.
Tom Mitts: Home is a Must-see Exhibit at Curt Bessette Art Gallery
By Paula Brandon
A very special art exhibit, Tom Mitts: Home, will continue through Saturday, April 10 at the Curt Bessette Art Gallery.Tom captured the heart of Newport in his paintings of our East Row homes, iron gates, streetscapes, bridges, and river scenes. This opportunity to see 20 of his works will add to your appreciation of our unique, historic neighborhood as well as showcase Tom’s talent as an artist who captured beautiful moments in time.
Of course, Tom’s Christmas tree business behind Peluso’s and the East Row houses he painted are legendary. Be sure to visit this exhibit of his oil paintings and pastels, and learn more at the BCPL website. https://bcplundiscovered.org/tom-mitts-home-local-art-from-newport-and-more-on-display-at-the-curt-bessette-art-gallery/. The gallery is located inside the Boone County Public Library’s main branch in Burlington, KY.
Editor’s Note: If you look closely at some of the painted homes in our neighborhood, you’ll notice that Tom was also an amazing house painter who actually signed his work, usually at the bottom right corner of the house, as he also added other special touches. He was painting a purple house on 4th St. during the untimely passing of Prince. If you look toward the top of the house, you’ll see he included the Prince symbol at its pinnacle – in purple, of course. When my house needed repainting, Tom asked me about my preferred color combo. “I have no idea,” I said. “You’re the best, so just do your thing.” He chose an amazing teal with beige trim, plus metallic accents and some subdued orange here and there. I could never have imagined those colors together. Tom was one of the jewels of our neighborhood, talented, funny and dedicated, and greatly missed.
The Newporter: Newport Independent Schools Newsletter
Open the latest issue of The Newporter for an overview of what’s happening in our schools. This issue features a first look at a new esports program, which will allow students to compete virtually, along with school staff insights and a message from Superintendent Tony Watts.
Jump into Spring with Campbell County Public Library April Programming
Submitted by Mackenzie Manley, PR Coordinator, Campbell County Public Library
Fun, educational and engaging programs for the whole family await you at the Campbell County Public Library. April’s programs offer plenty of new activities, including the first-ever outdoor Signature Series performance at Tower Park featuring bluegrass musician Junior Sisk. You can also mark your calendars for the drive-thru El Día de los Libros (Day of the Book) event.
Find March and April activities on the website of the Campbell County Public Library.
Bluegrass Musician Junior Sisk to Perform at CCPL’s Signature Series Concert
Submitted by Mackenzie Manley, PR Coordinator,
Campbell County Public Library
Campbell County Public Library is holding its first-ever outdoor Signature Series performance at Fort Thomas’ Tower Park amphitheater. Bluegrass musician and vocalist Junior Sisk will take to the stage at 7 pm Friday, April 9.
Free registration is required. Social distancing will be enforced and masks are required throughout the entirety of the concert. The library asks that patrons register with those they plan to sit with. Concert-goers should bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.
Tower Park is located at 900 S Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, KY 41075. Call 859-781-6166, ext. 8 or visit www.cc-pl.org/signature-seriesto register.
Sisk’s most recent release, “Load the Wagon,” remained in the #1 position on the Bluegrass Unlimited National chart for six consecutive months. He is the recipient of multiple International Bluegrass Music Association awards, including 2012 Song of the Year for “A Far Cry from Lester and Earl” and Album of the Year for “The Heart of the Song.” In 2013 he was named Male Vocalist of the Year and in 2016, was awarded for Recorded Event of the Year for his song “Longneck Blues.”
Support Our Dog Park with a Personalized Brick
jake sandhage demonstrates why our expanded newport dog park is such a great addition to the east row. There’s nothing like a spirited run through the snow to put a smile on your face! (Photo credit: Jason Sandhage.)
Submitted by Paula Brandon
What better way to honor a dog- or cat-loving friend or family member? Another round of bricks will appear at our dog park when enough orders have been received for the next section. Let’s get those orders in now to be part of this legacy. Here’s how to order:
$75 Donation – 4x8 in. brick
$500 Donation – 12x12 in. brick
Visit PolarEngraving.com/NewportDogPark
PayPal or checks accepted
Thank you for your continued support of our Newport Dog Park!
The Voice
Editor: Paula Brandon
Send articles to voice@eastrow.org. The editor reserves the right to edit or reject submissions due to length or content.
